Exploring The Expansive Bridesmaids Cinematic Universe

There is one 'Bridesmaids' film, released in 2011. The American comedy film was directed by Paul Feig and written by Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig, who also starred in the film.

Bridesmaids (2011) plot

There is one Bridesmaids film, released in 2011. The plot of the film centres on Annie Walker, a young single woman living in Milwaukee. After the recession, Annie's bakery went out of business, causing her to lose her savings and her boyfriend. She has since lost her passion for baking and now works a stressful, underpaid job at a jewellery store. The only positive presence in her life is her lifelong best friend, Lillian.

When Lillian gets engaged, she asks Annie to be her maid of honour. At the engagement party, Annie meets the other bridesmaids: Lillian's cousin Rita, her coworker Becca, her fiancé's sister Megan, and Helen, the wife of her fiancé's boss. Annie and Helen are instantly jealous of each other and become increasingly competitive for Lillian's attention.

Annie's suggestion for a bachelorette party at Lillian's parents' lake house is overruled in favour of a trip to Las Vegas planned by Helen. Unable to afford a first-class ticket, Annie books a ticket in economy and accepts a sedative and liquor from Helen to help with her fear of flying. However, she begins to hallucinate and suffers a breakdown, causing the plane to make an emergency landing. After this incident, Lillian decides it's best if Helen takes over planning the bridal shower and wedding.

Meanwhile, Annie grows closer to Nathan Rhodes, a Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper. After a romantic night together, Annie panics and abruptly leaves when Nathan surprises her with baking supplies. She is fired from her job after an argument with a teenage customer and is later evicted by her roommates, forcing her to move in with her mother.

Annie travels to Chicago for the bridal shower, which is Parisian-themed—an idea of hers that Helen had previously rejected. When Helen upstages Annie's gift by surprising Lillian with a trip to Paris, Annie berates Helen and Lillian and storms out. On her way home, Annie gets into a car accident due to her broken taillights. The responding officer is Nathan, who admonishes her for blowing him off and not taking responsibility.

Megan visits Annie and motivates her to take control of her life. She resumes baking, gets her car fixed, and tries to make amends with Nathan. On the day of the wedding, Helen comes to Annie's apartment, apologises for her behaviour, and reveals that she doesn't have any true friends. With Nathan's help, they find Lillian, who has gone into hiding due to being overwhelmed by the extravagant wedding planning. Annie reconciles with Lillian and resumes her role as maid of honour. The film ends with Annie and Helen sharing a hug, and Nathan arriving unexpectedly to pick up Annie.

Bridesmaids cast

There is only one Bridesmaids film, released in 2011. The cast of the film is as follows:

• Kristen Wiig as Annie Walker
• Maya Rudolph as Lillian Donovan
• Rose Byrne as Helen Harris III
• Melissa McCarthy as Megan Price
• Wendi McLendon-Covey as Rita
• Ellie Kemper as Becca
• Chris O'Dowd as Officer Nathan Rhodes
• Jill Clayburgh as Judy Walker
• Rebel Wilson as Brynn
• Michael Hitchcock as Don
• Tim Heidecker as Douglas "Doug/Dougie" Price
• Ben Falcone as Air Marshall Jon
• Dana Powell as Flight Attendant Claire
• Mitch Silpa as Flight Attendant Steve
• Terry Crews as Rodney
• Jillian Bell as Girl at Shower
• Franklyn Ajaye as Lillian's father
• Matt Bennett as Helen's Stepson

The film also features brief appearances by several actors from the television series The Office, including Jessica St. Clair, Nancy Carell, Hugh Dane, and Andy Buckley.

In addition, there are several uncredited appearances in the film, including Jon Hamm as Ted, Annie's love interest; Nick Ariondo as the accordion player; and Pat Carroll as the old woman in the car.

Bridesmaids reviews

There is only one Bridesmaids film, released in 2011. The film was directed by Paul Feig and written by Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig, who also stars in the leading role. The film received positive reviews, with praise for its female-driven storyline, and grossed over $300 million worldwide.

Reviews for the film were generally positive, with critics describing it as "hilarious", "surprisingly touching", and "a female-driven comedy that refuses to be boxed in". Roger Ebert called it "a more or less deliberate attempt to cross the chick flick with the raunch comedy", proving that "women are the equal of men in vulgarity, sexual frankness, lust, vulnerability, overdrinking and insecurity". Ebert also praised Wiig's physical comedy, particularly during the flight to Vegas, comparing her to Lucille Ball.

Other critics also praised the performances of the cast, particularly Melissa McCarthy, who was described as "shocking and funny" and having "some of the film's funniest scenes". Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Ellie Kemper, and Chris O'Dowd were also singled out for their performances.

However, some reviewers criticised the film for its raunchy jokes and inconsistent tone. One reviewer wrote that they "need[ed] more funny females getting the spotlight" but did not want to see women "having diarrhea". Another critic commented that certain scenes had "a kind of dumb crassness that works against Bridesmaids' often smart, highly class-conscious deconstruction of female friendship and competition".

Bridesmaids awards

There is only one Bridesmaids film, released in 2011. The film was nominated for several awards, including two Oscars, and won 25 awards in total. Here is a breakdown of the awards and nominations:

Academy Awards, USA

The film was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Melissa McCarthy and Best Original Screenplay for Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo.

Golden Globe Awards

The film was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and Best Leading Actress – Musical or Comedy for Kristen Wiig.

BAFTA Awards

The film received two BAFTA Award nominations, including Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Melissa McCarthy and Best Original Screenplay for Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo.

Screen Actors Guild Awards

The film received two Screen Actors Guild Award nominations, including Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture and Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for Melissa McCarthy.

Writers Guild Awards

The film was nominated for the Writers Guild Award for Best Original Screenplay, recognising the work of Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo.

Producers Guild Awards

The film was nominated for the Producers Guild Award for Best Film (Outstanding Production).

Critics Choice Awards

The film received three Critics Choice Award nominations, including Best Supporting Actress for Melissa McCarthy, Best Acting Ensemble, and Best Original Screenplay for Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo. Melissa McCarthy won the award for Best Supporting Actress.

Chicago Film Critics Awards

Melissa McCarthy was nominated for the Chicago Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Boston Society of Film Critics Awards

Melissa McCarthy won the Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress.

American Film Institute Awards

The film received a nomination for the American Film Institute Award, in the Top 10 Movies of the Year category.

MTV Movie + TV Awards

The film received eight MTV Movie + TV Award nominations, including Best Comedic Performance for Melissa McCarthy, Best On-Screen Dirtbag, and Best Female Performance.

People's Choice Awards

The film won three People's Choice Awards, including Favorite Comedy Movie and Favorite Ensemble Movie Cast. It was also nominated for two further awards, including Favorite Comedy Movie.

Teen Choice Awards

The film received five Teen Choice Award nominations, including Choice Movie: Comedy, Choice Movie Actress: Comedy for Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy, Choice Movie Hissy Fit, and Choice Movie: Female Scene Stealer.

Writers Guild of America Awards

Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo were nominated for the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Empire Awards

The film was nominated for the Empire Award for Best Supporting Actress, recognising the work of Melissa McCarthy.

Vancouver Film Critics Circle Awards

Melissa McCarthy was nominated for the Vancouver Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Golden Trailer Awards

The film won two Golden Trailer Awards, including Best "Red Band" Trailer.

Black Reel Awards

Melissa McCarthy was nominated for the Black Reel Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress.

Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards

Wendi McLendon-Covey received a nomination for the Phoenix Film Critics Society Award for Best Ensemble Acting.

Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Awards

The film received three Washington DC Area Film Critics Association Award nominations, including Best Supporting Actress for Melissa McCarthy, Best Original Screenplay for Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, and Best Acting Ensemble.

St. Louis Film Critics Association Awards

The film won the St. Louis Film Critics Association Award for Best Acting Ensemble.

Alliance of Women Film Journalists Awards

The film received four Alliance of Women Film Journalists Award nominations, including Best Writing, Original Screenplay, Best Woman Screenwriter, Outstanding Achievement by a Woman in the Film Industry, and the EDA Female Focus Award, which it won.

Detroit Film Critics Society Awards

The film was nominated for the Detroit Film Critics Society Award for Best Supporting Actress, recognising the work of Melissa McCarthy.

New York Film Critics Circle Awards

Melissa McCarthy won two New York Film Critics Circle Awards, including Best Supporting Actress and Best Ensemble.

Iowa Film Critics Awards

Melissa McCarthy won the Iowa Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Denver Film Critics Society Awards

Melissa McCarthy was nominated for the Denver Film Critics Society Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Houston Film Critics Society Awards

Melissa McCarthy was nominated for the Houston Film Critics Society Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Online Film & Television Association Awards

The film received three Online Film & Television Association Award nominations, including Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen, Best First Screenplay, and Best Music, Adapted Song for "Hold On" by Wilson Phillips.

Indiewire Critics' Poll

Melissa McCarthy was nominated for the Indiewire Critics' Poll Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Golden Schmoes Awards

The film received six Golden Schmoes Award nominations, including Most Overrated Movie of the Year, Best Comedy of the Year, Best Actress of the Year, Best Supporting Actress of the Year, and Breakthrough Performance of the Year.

Women Film Critics Circle Awards

The film received three Women Film Critics Circle Award nominations, including Best Comedic Actress, Best Comedic Actress, and Women's Work/Best Ensemble.

International Online Cinema Awards (INOCA)

The film received two International Online Cinema Award nominations, including Best Supporting Actress for Melissa McCarthy and Best Supporting Performance.

Central Ohio Film Critics Association Awards

Wendi McLendon-Covey received two Central Ohio Film Critics Association Award nominations, including Best Supporting Actress

Bridesmaids sequel

There is only one Bridesmaids film, released in 2011, but there has been talk of a sequel. The original film was written by its stars, Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, and directed by Paul Feig. It was a critical and commercial success, making over $300 million worldwide and receiving multiple award nominations.

Wiig and Mumolo have stated that they are not interested in writing a sequel, feeling that they have already told the story they wanted to tell. However, Feig has said that a sequel would be "fun" and has an idea for the plot: focusing on Wiig's character Annie's wedding. This would mirror the original film, which centred on the wedding of Annie's best friend, Lillian.

Despite the success of the first film, a sequel is yet to be confirmed. Feig has said that the decision is ultimately in the hands of Wiig and Mumolo, as the idea for the original film came from them. The director has also noted that the emotional engagement of the first film came from the central character's calamitous life, and that it would be unrealistic for her to encounter similar problems again.

While a direct sequel is unlikely, there is a possibility that the original cast could reunite for a different film. Star Rose Byrne has expressed interest in working with the ensemble again, even if it is not for a Bridesmaids sequel.

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